Deer Park glory for Gavin

Hay claims first Tartan Tour title after holding off Fox and Arnott in Livingston

By Chris Johnston

GAVIN HAY described himself as ‘delighted’ after capturing his first PGA Scotland Tartan Tour Order of Merit win in the 2017 Emtec Group Deer Park Masters.

Hay, based at Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands, followed up his first round 67 with a one-under 71 to muscle his way into a play-off for the title with Clydeway Golf’s Graham Fox and Bishopbriggs Golf Range’s Robert Arnott.

The trio had all finished in tie at the top on six-under and headed down the first in search of victory. It was Hay, however, who held his nerve and secured victory with a birdie. “I’m absolutely delighted to have won my first order of merit title,” he said. “I came into the final day confident of being able to post a score as I was just one back. The weather wasn’t particularly kind to us with the rain throughout the round but I managed to post a score.

CONFIDENT

“I’d made a bogey and missed a couple of chances for birdie in my closing holes of normal play but I was confident heading into the play-off. I was up against a couple of big names and experienced players so to come out on top is brilliant.”

This year marked the 14th staging of the event at Deer Park Golf & Country Club in Livingston with a total of 50 PGA professionals and 300 amateurs taking part.

Alan Tait, the club’s general manager, said: “I’m proud to say the Deer Park Masters has been a fantastic success and I’m delighted to congratulate Gavin Hay as the winner.

“Having taken over my new position in May, I was keen to make this the biggest and best Emtec Group Deer Park Masters yet for my fellow PGA professionals. All of the feedback I’ve received from the participants has been fantastic and they were all raving about the condition of the golf course.

“Special thanks go to our the greenkeeping team, as well as the staff inside the club, who worked tirelessly over the last few days to make this event a great success.”

Greig Hutcheon, meanwhile, has been awarded lifetime membership of Deer Park in recognition of his achievements in the event.

 “This is an absolutely fantastic honour,” said Hutcheon. “To receive honorary lifetime membership at a course I love is amazing. I always love coming here and I really didn’t expect this.”

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